Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2880: 1577: A New Destination

By the time Leo Ray and his group departed from Fishman Castle, afternoon had already set in.

Brilliant light from the twin suns above illuminated the party's shadows stretching across the ground as they raced out of the Castle, their outlines swiftly fading at the street's distant end.

The elderly Fishman King, together with Lena and the others, had originally intended to organize a lavish banquet to express formal gratitude to Leo Ray and his allies, yet the Throne Corridor meeting was scheduled for that very night, leaving no opportunity for it.

Furthermore, should the enemies detect our associations with the Fishmen, it would undoubtedly heighten their wariness.

As a result, Leo Ray and his companions opted for a low-key departure; having secured the Desert Fishmen's trust and loyalty, their accomplishments were already plentiful enough.

“The Desert Fishman, the Dark Half-Elf, plus the five major forces on good terms with Lila and Hollis—our side is now advancing together with seven Second-tier Powers, and if we count the Half-Titan and the Stone Giant themselves, that makes nine.”

As Leo Ray's form flickered while passing through the unseen portal to Ice Stone City, he gave a faint nod. “So the next one will be the tenth force?”

“Your Majesty of the Humans, according to our preset plan, the next force is the Moon Shadow Deer People.”

Lila inclined her head to Leo Ray and elaborated, “Their primary territory lies within a sprawling woodland known as the Mysterious Forest. That shall be our upcoming destination.”

“The Moon Shadow Deer People, huh?”

Leo Ray gave a slight nod, pulling up the pertinent details from his memory.

Though the Moon Shadow Deer People's name evoked an image of recluses detached from the world, the truth was far different.

Rumors held that the Moon Shadow Deer People were arrogant and resilient, fierce warriors who commanded significant sway among nearby Second-tier Powers, marking them as a force best left unchallenged.

Thus, subduing the Moon Shadow Deer People first would pave the way to conquering the surrounding Second-tier Powers with ease.

“Your Majesty, after the Frost Fire Giant fell to the Broken Wing King's overwhelming might, the Moon Shadow Deer People led several Second-tier Powers in stepping forward next, only to be crushed by the Broken Wing King amid piles of fallen foes.”

Hollis, positioned at Leo Ray’s other flank, growled deeply, “Since that defeat, the Moon Shadow Deer People's strength has been severely depleted, dropping them nearly from elite status among Second-tier Powers to the weakest tier.”

“Beyond that, the Moon Shadow Deer People have endured relentless oppression from the Broken Wing King over the years, worsening their dire wounds.”

Lila resumed the explanation, adding, “Beneath the Broken Wing King’s relentless plundering and tyranny, the Moon Shadow Deer People suffer the most acute famine among Second-tier Powers, though their recent seclusion has kept such reports scarce.”

“Given their famine, they should be desperately hunting for remedies. Why retreat into isolation instead?”

Doubt flickered across Leo Ray's countenance as he sped through Ice Stone City's ancient avenues.

“To answer Your Majesty, that very mystery baffles us as well.”

Confusion flashed across Lila’s delicate face as she responded, “Our spies' most recent reports indicate the Moon Shadow Deer People have severed all external ties. Previously, they sought grain at the Shadow Market, but lately, they’ve even skipped the local gatherings.”

“Perhaps they unearthed a valuable Secret Treasure and traded it at a First-class force's Shadow Market for ample provisions?”

Moli cocked her head and voiced her speculation aloud.

“We can't dismiss that chance.”

Leo Ray pondered Moli’s suggestion with a thoughtful nod.

While Second-tier Powers couldn't join First-class forces' Shadow Markets officially, attending as esteemed individuals was entirely feasible.

Besides, First-class forces possessed vast, immeasurable resources dwarfing any Second-tier Power. A mere handful of traded items could easily tide the Moon Shadow Deer People over their hardship.

“Yet even if they averted the urgent threat, this respite should spur them to rebuild vigorously and address their plight. With the core issue lingering, why seal themselves off, letting scarce whispers escape?”

Fei’er furrowed her brows, reminiscent of Melody Lyon’s, in slight confusion. “Without any alterations, won’t they simply revert to the original dire straits?”

“Maybe they wish to keep all this hidden from the Broken Wing King. Should he find out they could possess a Secret Treasure, he’d probably send forces once more.”

Lila thought for a moment before answering, “By then, the Moon Shadow Deer People, with their vitality already severely weakened, would stand no chance against the Broken Wing King. The result is obvious.”

“‘The humble man is innocent, yet guilty for the treasure he holds,’ right? That holds some truth.”

Leo Ray nodded thoughtfully, tilting his head slightly as he spoke, “However, one thing is clear: the Moon Shadow Deer People surely nurse a profound grudge against the Broken Wing King. Leveraging that as our entry point, convincing them ought not to be overly challenging.”

As Leo Ray concluded, the others nodded in unison, showing their accord.

His Majesty spoke wisely. Absent any surprises, the Moon Shadow Deer People would swiftly turn into a reliable ally for them.

Moving swiftly like a bolt of lightning on the wind, the team promptly entered Ice Stone City’s Command Hall.

Approaching the Magic Sandbox, Leo Ray swiftly pinpointed the Mysterious Forest inhabited by the Moon Shadow Deer People.

The map revealed that this forest spanned an immensely broad expanse, surpassing even the size of the Treant Forest.

In the heart of the vast woodland lay numerous cities and villages of differing scales, dispersed evenly like stars in the firmament; that marked the territory of the Moon Shadow Deer People.